Types of VA Loan Benefits for Veterans With Disabilities

by Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS® 07/21/2024

If you're a qualifying U.S. veteran, a VA home loan can be your quickest path to home ownership. However, if you're legally disabled, there are even more financial benefits available. Here is a basic guide to VA loan benefits for veterans with disabilities:

Funding fee exemptions

VA loans don't require down payments, but come with funding fees instead. While much lower than conventional down payment amounts, funding fees can prove just as much of a financial hurdle as down payments for some veterans. The fees are calculated based on percentages ranging from 1.4% to 4% of the total amount of the loan. However, veterans with disabilities are exempt from paying VA funding fees if they qualify, potentially saving thousands of dollars.

Special housing grants

There are multiple housing grants available specifically to help veterans with disabilities finance and improve their dream homes. The main types of grants are concerned with establishing or improving accessibility of your residence, either permanently or temporarily.

For example, the VA Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant is available to help either purchase or make changes to a home to accommodate a disability. Changes could include projects like ramp installation, wheelchair-accessible bathroom features and hands-free smart home equipment.

For temporary solutions, qualified veterans can apply for a VA Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant to finance modifications to a relative's home. Even without complete remodeling, there are plenty of ways to improve accessibility and accommodate a range of disabilities using these options.

State property tax exemption

Depending on their state of residence, veterans with disabilities may be exempt from paying property taxes. Most states offer a form of tax break for qualified veterans, with amounts and requirements varying from one state to the next. To find out if you're eligible for this benefit, you can find resources available online and through the VA directly to determine your individual state's exemption offerings.

VA Benefits
Veterans
Veterans With Disabilities
About the Author
Author

Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®

Aby’s understanding of excellent customer service stems from her extensive professional background. Prior to earning her real estate license in 2005, along with her college degree that focuses on business and engineering, Aby was the head of purchasing, inventory and quality assurance for an OEM medical and aerospace manufacturing company. Known by her clients and fellow realtors for her tenacity, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, as a full-time realtor, she is also appreciated for her quick response to her client’s needs. Aby has been an avid horse rider and owner since the age of eight, with her husband Billas a local firefighter/EMT they are very active within the community. Bill served as a US Army Airborne Ranger in 75th Ranger Regiment, he is a combat-wounded veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Bill's background as facility Manager for an International metals company and as a firefighter/EMT gives him the experience, attention to detail and the desire to go above and beyond to serve his customers. The Brooks' serve on the board of a local non-profit (501c3) that gives back to the veterans, first responders and their families. The Brooks family resides on their small ranch in Manatee County. Aby& Bill excel in all types of real estate and their passion is helping people. “We genuinely like people, growing up in Sarasota and Manatee counties and now raising our own family here, it is an absolute pleasure to share our growing area with newcomers and reminisce with longtime residents. Our area has so much to offer and it is our business to help folks buy and sell their own piece of paradise.”